'78 Replace battery, no start, smells rich
09-27-2012, 07:22 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'78 Replace battery, no start, smells rich
Can anyone tell me what could be happening - working fine in April, garaged for several months without starting it up. Dead battery needed to be replaced anyway. new Optima battery. Engine turns over and acts as if it's going to start, but sounds as if it's choking. Smells very rich. Repeated attempts, acts as if it's right on the edge of going on its own. I dont have to hold the starter down, its turning over on its own, but sounds like its choking. Any suggestions? Thanks
09-27-2012, 11:03 PM
#4
Instructor
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: United States
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Any backfire in the intake will kill the car unless you're equipped with a pop-off valve. The airbox explodes and you will have a problem of running properly... it is a very common problem at any time with these engines including after replacing a battery.
09-27-2012, 11:05 PM
#5
Instructor
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: United States
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If it's truly choking and the airbox is intact then check for rodents. If you smell fuel then check for spark before cranking further... no use filling your oil with gas. Fuel + Air + Fire... check em all.
09-29-2012, 02:47 AM
#7
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Aloha!
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I re-read the OP and didn't see a mention of a backfire at any time... am I missing something?
Besides, wouldn't an exploded airbox be pulling unmetered air and be running very lean and backfiring through the airbox even further??
Although you didn't store your car for a very long time, you may have some fuel issues and you also may have flooded the heck out of it with multiple start attempts. Your plugs might be also be mess now from running it while flooded. Things to check would be:
Old fuel (drain and replace fuel);
Pull all your spark plugs and look at the state of them after this event- they all might not be firing anymore;
If you know who to pull the injectors, bypass the fuel pump safety switch, and use the airflow meter to run the injectors, then pump the old fuel out of the injection system, flushing it with new fuel.
Unless there is something peculiar to a '78 injection system that I am missing here, of course...
Besides, wouldn't an exploded airbox be pulling unmetered air and be running very lean and backfiring through the airbox even further??
Although you didn't store your car for a very long time, you may have some fuel issues and you also may have flooded the heck out of it with multiple start attempts. Your plugs might be also be mess now from running it while flooded. Things to check would be:
Old fuel (drain and replace fuel);
Pull all your spark plugs and look at the state of them after this event- they all might not be firing anymore;
If you know who to pull the injectors, bypass the fuel pump safety switch, and use the airflow meter to run the injectors, then pump the old fuel out of the injection system, flushing it with new fuel.
Unless there is something peculiar to a '78 injection system that I am missing here, of course...
Trending Topics
09-29-2012, 10:41 PM
#8
Team Owner
No . 78 is pretty basic. I would start with your steps.
Definttley get back to basics. If it does have a pop off make sure it is seated.
A lot of testing can be done with cis components
Definttley get back to basics. If it does have a pop off make sure it is seated.
A lot of testing can be done with cis components
